Transport trucks have started arriving at Target in Stratford’s east end as the store gears up for a pre-Christmas opening.

Just under 100 people will be employed at the store, said executive team leader Jill Silverman, who confirmed the date at the still-empty premises Wednesday.

“Team members are excited about the opening,” she said. “It’s a great place to work.”

Silverman acknowledged the store is looking at a November start.

The transformation of the former Zellers department store into a Target includes the addition of a Starbucks located just past the main entrance doors.

At Dollarama, immediately south of the new store, assistant manager Sarah Hunking welcomed the forthcoming arrival of her nearest competitor.

“We can’t wait. We’re hoping it will bring more traffic,” she said. “We’re hoping people will stay here in town instead of everybody going to a Target or Walmart elsewhere.”

And Hunking suggested Dollarama, currently well stocked with Halloween and Christmas items, stands to benefit when shoppers compare prices for certain goods.

Across from Target on Ontario St. the sprawling new Walmart store is nearing completion but an opening date hasn’t been announced.

Judging from the number of trades vehicles on site and the intensity of construction activity, however, it would not be a surprise if the retailer is also looking to a pre-Christmas opening.

Roofers were busy on the central roofing area Wednesday. Curbs and asphalt paving of the parking areas look nearly complete and Walmart’s signature blue backdrop for its logo appears ready for lettering.

At the neighbouring Pizza Hut, general manager Lorne Flach said he expected a Christmas opening for Walmart, but wasn’t predicting the presence of the retailer where there used to be an auto dealership would necessarily bring more business to his restaurant.

“You don’t know until it happens. We will find out,” he said.

A spokesperson at Walmart’s corporate office said the company is hoping to open the store by the end of the year and is looking forward to serving the community but additional information was not yet available.